Sunday, January 30, 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Reflection on Reaching and Engaging all Learners Through Technology
The most obvious thing I have learned throughout this course is what an enormous challenge it is for a teacher to meet the needs of a classroom of diverse students (Bray, Brown, and Green, 2004). Upon reflecting on becoming the conscientious teacher necessary to meet this challenge, the first adjustment I need to make is to begin each year determining my students’ interest, learning styles, intelligence preferences, and learning profiles. The other immediate adjustments I can make include evaluating students’ strengths and weaknesses. Incorporating Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction will help me reach the needs of a classroom of diverse learners.
The first adjustment to determine my students’ interests, learning styles, intelligence preferences, and learning profiles (preferably at the beginning of each school year) will incorporate technology by using a variety of surveys on differentiated learning. Using http://www.learnerslink.com/curriculum.htm., I will incorporate a personal interest survey. Another survey I will use to give my students the opportunity to answer questions about their preferences at school and allow them to explain what they would choose to do if given the opportunity is http://www.mcas.k12.in.us/plp/STUDENTINTERESTINVENTORY.pdf (adapted from Holzschuher (1997). I will use http://www.pesdirect.com/lsitest2.html , which is a learning style questionnaire from Piedmont Educational Services that will allow my diverse learners to discover their own learning style and explain to them the learning strategies they favor, while offering suggestions to support their area of preference. For students to discover on their own their favorite choice of learning, I will utilize Piper’s Multiple Intelligence Quiz, which presents questions in the areas of verbal, mathematical, visual, kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal and interpersonal modalities. Being aware of my students’ culture and ethics will enhance my instruction and their learning, so I will utilize Learning for Life Learning Profile Questionnaire developed by The Center for the Advancement of Ethics and Character, http://www.learningforlife.org/lfl/resources/ncr-forms/233419-1.pdf .
In order to meet the other immediate adjustments needed of evaluating my students’ strengths and weaknesses, I will customize my instruction by making the most of Turning Point, our system’s response clickers with Study Island. By using this response system, I can assess my students’ knowledge before beginning a unit, and they can demonstrate their knowledge gained after the unit. Turning Point will be a quick and simple tool for evaluating my students’ prior knowledge and areas of weakness that need to be addressed.
I will integrate technology to customize instruction through Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning by utilizing my teacher computer and LCD with learning websites, school pad, ELMO, Turning Point, software, classroom computers, our school’s portable laptops, and weekly computer lab as needed. I will also continue to add to my technology portfolio and keep my unit portfolio folders on my hard drive updated and organized for easy access and additions.
I will integrate technology to customize student performance by offering a variety of presentations choices for final productions of learning including technology such as digital storytelling, podcasts, and Voice Thread. I will also offer written or oral reports with media, Reader’s Theatre, brochure or diorama type productions. I will encourage my students to choose to complete their work according to their preference of grouping or by themselves, but they will be held accountable for the same learning goals, even though they will be utilizing different modalities and creating different productions.
Making these adjustments to my classroom practice and integrating these uses of technology to customize instruction will help create the optimal learning environment for all of my students.
The first adjustment to determine my students’ interests, learning styles, intelligence preferences, and learning profiles (preferably at the beginning of each school year) will incorporate technology by using a variety of surveys on differentiated learning. Using http://www.learnerslink.com/curriculum.htm., I will incorporate a personal interest survey. Another survey I will use to give my students the opportunity to answer questions about their preferences at school and allow them to explain what they would choose to do if given the opportunity is http://www.mcas.k12.in.us/plp/STUDENTINTERESTINVENTORY.pdf (adapted from Holzschuher (1997). I will use http://www.pesdirect.com/lsitest2.html , which is a learning style questionnaire from Piedmont Educational Services that will allow my diverse learners to discover their own learning style and explain to them the learning strategies they favor, while offering suggestions to support their area of preference. For students to discover on their own their favorite choice of learning, I will utilize Piper’s Multiple Intelligence Quiz, which presents questions in the areas of verbal, mathematical, visual, kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal and interpersonal modalities. Being aware of my students’ culture and ethics will enhance my instruction and their learning, so I will utilize Learning for Life Learning Profile Questionnaire developed by The Center for the Advancement of Ethics and Character, http://www.learningforlife.org/lfl/resources/ncr-forms/233419-1.pdf .
In order to meet the other immediate adjustments needed of evaluating my students’ strengths and weaknesses, I will customize my instruction by making the most of Turning Point, our system’s response clickers with Study Island. By using this response system, I can assess my students’ knowledge before beginning a unit, and they can demonstrate their knowledge gained after the unit. Turning Point will be a quick and simple tool for evaluating my students’ prior knowledge and areas of weakness that need to be addressed.
I will integrate technology to customize instruction through Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning by utilizing my teacher computer and LCD with learning websites, school pad, ELMO, Turning Point, software, classroom computers, our school’s portable laptops, and weekly computer lab as needed. I will also continue to add to my technology portfolio and keep my unit portfolio folders on my hard drive updated and organized for easy access and additions.
I will integrate technology to customize student performance by offering a variety of presentations choices for final productions of learning including technology such as digital storytelling, podcasts, and Voice Thread. I will also offer written or oral reports with media, Reader’s Theatre, brochure or diorama type productions. I will encourage my students to choose to complete their work according to their preference of grouping or by themselves, but they will be held accountable for the same learning goals, even though they will be utilizing different modalities and creating different productions.
Making these adjustments to my classroom practice and integrating these uses of technology to customize instruction will help create the optimal learning environment for all of my students.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Reflecting on my GAME Plan
Reflecting on my GAME plan for Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas has made me much more aware of the necessity of formulating, carrying out, reevaluating, and continuously ‘tweaking’ my teaching strategies and lesson plans.
My GAME plan included two goals: (1) promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility and (2) engage in professional growth and leadership.
Working toward the first goal, I have realized how important it is to teach my students how to search, identify, and cite reliable websites. I find that each year my students are more and more technology savvy, but question their sources and depend on too much guidance to find a valid site. Through modeling this practice and facilitating their research for Problem-Based Learning, students will adopt this practice and become more digitally responsible themselves. I will also promote student awareness for citing and owning their own technology productions.
Working toward my second goal of engaging in professional growth and leadership will be a continuous ongoing goal. My district has a very strict policy against any social networking, blocking all educational networking, blogs, and wikis. This course has equipped me with very valuable insights to present when pursuing more 21st Century Skills for my students. I have also become more aware of the need for organizing all of my technology lessons into a portfolio with folders and subfolders. We are changing over to Standards Based Classrooms, with extensive requirements in all content areas, and by organizing this myriad of information, I will have much more time in the future for planning and facilitating.
The biggest impact of using a GAME plan and utilizing what I have learned through this course is the importance of implementing more Problem-Based Learning in my classroom. This will benefit my students’ learning and prepare them to be digitally responsible. Incorporating NET-S will ensure my students are true 21st century learners.
My GAME plan included two goals: (1) promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility and (2) engage in professional growth and leadership.
Working toward the first goal, I have realized how important it is to teach my students how to search, identify, and cite reliable websites. I find that each year my students are more and more technology savvy, but question their sources and depend on too much guidance to find a valid site. Through modeling this practice and facilitating their research for Problem-Based Learning, students will adopt this practice and become more digitally responsible themselves. I will also promote student awareness for citing and owning their own technology productions.
Working toward my second goal of engaging in professional growth and leadership will be a continuous ongoing goal. My district has a very strict policy against any social networking, blocking all educational networking, blogs, and wikis. This course has equipped me with very valuable insights to present when pursuing more 21st Century Skills for my students. I have also become more aware of the need for organizing all of my technology lessons into a portfolio with folders and subfolders. We are changing over to Standards Based Classrooms, with extensive requirements in all content areas, and by organizing this myriad of information, I will have much more time in the future for planning and facilitating.
The biggest impact of using a GAME plan and utilizing what I have learned through this course is the importance of implementing more Problem-Based Learning in my classroom. This will benefit my students’ learning and prepare them to be digitally responsible. Incorporating NET-S will ensure my students are true 21st century learners.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Using my GAME Plan For Student Proficiency
In order to help my students develop proficiency in the technology standards and indicators outlined in the NET-S plan, I will continue to use the GAME plan design. This plan helps me look at my proficiency and my weaknesses while I improve on lessons for my students that will facilitate and engage their learning while staying motivated.
My GAME plan includes two goals: (1)promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility and (2)engage in professional growth and leadership.
By requiring my students to develop a GAME plan, they will
• Demonstrate creativity and innovation
• Communicate and collaborate
• Conduct research and use information
• Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
• Use technology effectively and productively.
By implementing my GAME plan, I will facilitate lessons that allow my students to obtain these skills. They will be responsible and capable of digital citizenship. I will continue to promote communication and collaboration for my students by providing valid research and detailing NET-S and NET-T to my district for authorization of educational networking.
Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx
My GAME plan includes two goals: (1)promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility and (2)engage in professional growth and leadership.
By requiring my students to develop a GAME plan, they will
• Demonstrate creativity and innovation
• Communicate and collaborate
• Conduct research and use information
• Think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
• Use technology effectively and productively.
By implementing my GAME plan, I will facilitate lessons that allow my students to obtain these skills. They will be responsible and capable of digital citizenship. I will continue to promote communication and collaboration for my students by providing valid research and detailing NET-S and NET-T to my district for authorization of educational networking.
Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Revising My GAME Plan
• What have I learned so far that I can apply in my instructional practice?
I have learned how important it is to incorporate Problem Based Learning projects into all content areas. This is much easier said than done; time constraints, training, organizing, and planning are all very difficult to 'juggle.' However, my students will benefit by using higher order thinking skills as they learn their standards based content. I am using more PBL projects in every area except for math; this is something I need to continue to work on. By creating a portfolio with subfolders for each project that incorporates technology use, I am promoting and modeling digital citizenship and responsibility. Through colloborating with other teachers, and learning through Walden and in-school training, my professional growth continues to be an on-going goal.
• Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will I set for myself?
After learning about how important educational networking is for my students, I would like to set up a blog for my students to communicate with each other on their Problem Based Learning projects.
• How will I extend what I have learned so far?
I will continue to find, share, and organize more technology tools and websites for my students to use for resources and projects. I will also require my students to validate and cite their sources and tools. I am determined to investigate and collaborate more to gather ideas for using PBL in math.
• What learning approaches will I try next time to improve my learning?
I will use more social networking through wikis and blogs to collaborate with my peers when creating or implementing PBL projects in my classroom - especially with our math content.
Davis, V.(2007).Spotlight on Technology:Social Networking and Online Collaboration, Part 2, Laureate Education, Inc, DVD.
I have learned how important it is to incorporate Problem Based Learning projects into all content areas. This is much easier said than done; time constraints, training, organizing, and planning are all very difficult to 'juggle.' However, my students will benefit by using higher order thinking skills as they learn their standards based content. I am using more PBL projects in every area except for math; this is something I need to continue to work on. By creating a portfolio with subfolders for each project that incorporates technology use, I am promoting and modeling digital citizenship and responsibility. Through colloborating with other teachers, and learning through Walden and in-school training, my professional growth continues to be an on-going goal.
• Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will I set for myself?
After learning about how important educational networking is for my students, I would like to set up a blog for my students to communicate with each other on their Problem Based Learning projects.
• How will I extend what I have learned so far?
I will continue to find, share, and organize more technology tools and websites for my students to use for resources and projects. I will also require my students to validate and cite their sources and tools. I am determined to investigate and collaborate more to gather ideas for using PBL in math.
• What learning approaches will I try next time to improve my learning?
I will use more social networking through wikis and blogs to collaborate with my peers when creating or implementing PBL projects in my classroom - especially with our math content.
Davis, V.(2007).Spotlight on Technology:Social Networking and Online Collaboration, Part 2, Laureate Education, Inc, DVD.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Evaluating My GAME Plan Progress
My actions to reach my goal of promoting and modeling digital citizenship and responsibility include demonstrating how to recognize reliable websites and information. I have incorporated several steps into this process: modeling how to break down URL's, identifying the components that qualify a valid website, and requiring my students to claim ownership of thier own productions which will help them recognize the importance of sites they have utilized.
I have learned that my students and I still have a long way to go; this is an on-going process. By continuously citing my sources, modeling, and requiring my students to cite their resources and claim their fame, they should become more proficient with learning through valid websites.
My actions to reach my goal of engaging in professional growth and leadership are also ongoing. I have learned a tremendous amount through my Walden courses, technology training, PLC's, and independent research. My Walden colleagues have helped me with ideas for organizing all of the myriad of technology tools into a portfolio with folders for standards, units, data, and accompanying technology resources. I am still working on time adjustments; it is very overwhelming transitioning everything!I have discovered many technology tools and websites for enhancing learning in my classroom like scavenger hunts and virtual field trips. Putting it all into action in an organized, accessible way is one of my biggest adjustments.
However, my biggest adjustment is to find the time to incorporate more Problem Based Learning into my everyday schedule for my students. After learning from this week's resources, I realize that this type of activity teaches the standards while promoting motivation and engagement. PBL allows students to demonstrate and learn content throughout the process, while gaining ownership of thier knowledge.
Ertmer, P. (2009). Spotlight on technology: Problem-based learning. Laureate Education, Inc. Baltimore.
I have learned that my students and I still have a long way to go; this is an on-going process. By continuously citing my sources, modeling, and requiring my students to cite their resources and claim their fame, they should become more proficient with learning through valid websites.
My actions to reach my goal of engaging in professional growth and leadership are also ongoing. I have learned a tremendous amount through my Walden courses, technology training, PLC's, and independent research. My Walden colleagues have helped me with ideas for organizing all of the myriad of technology tools into a portfolio with folders for standards, units, data, and accompanying technology resources. I am still working on time adjustments; it is very overwhelming transitioning everything!I have discovered many technology tools and websites for enhancing learning in my classroom like scavenger hunts and virtual field trips. Putting it all into action in an organized, accessible way is one of my biggest adjustments.
However, my biggest adjustment is to find the time to incorporate more Problem Based Learning into my everyday schedule for my students. After learning from this week's resources, I realize that this type of activity teaches the standards while promoting motivation and engagement. PBL allows students to demonstrate and learn content throughout the process, while gaining ownership of thier knowledge.
Ertmer, P. (2009). Spotlight on technology: Problem-based learning. Laureate Education, Inc. Baltimore.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monitoring My GAME Plan Progress
I am finding the information and resources I need for implementing my goal of promoting and modeling digital citizenship and responsibility. I use my teacher computer and LCD frequently throughout the day to teach new skills, show examples, or research answers. I make it a point to cite whatever website or software I use as soon as the information comes on the screen. My class began Power Point presentations to demonstrate their knowledge of endangered animals they have studied through different websites this week. They are required to post a reference for each slide that reflects any information they recorded from one of these sites. They will also be required to make a copyright slide so they will gain ownership of their own work before publishing it to our shares drive.
I do need to practice and model verifying URL's and valid websites more often througout the day when I use my computer and LCD for instruction. I need to post a sticky note on my computer to remind me of this! This is an important step in helping my students learn how to evaluate websites for reliability, and frequent modeling and reminders will facilitate this learning.
I continue to engage in professional growth and leadership through taking my courses with Walden, particularly this course of Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. I collaborate with my fellow teachers frequently. We share lesson plans, ideas, websites, software, and new hardware and use them them throughout all content areas.
My biggest problem area for this goal continues to be finding the time to train and implement all of the new technology I am learning. I have learned that creating a portfolio on my computer has helped me organize my lessons, handouts, assessments, websites, etc. Now I am working on finding the time to make folders for each unit and transfer files. I am looking forward to trashing all of my stacks of multi-copies of papers on my bookshelves once I complete this - I am the classic 'hoarder' of a teacher. I look forward to taking advantage of technology to clean up my classroom!
A modification of engaging in more of a leadership goal would be for me to provide our district with qualified explanations of why our students should be able to network and give guidelines we could use to monitor this. If our students could collaborate more with each other and me through wikis, blogs, and emails, they would be even more motivated and engaged in their learning.
I do need to practice and model verifying URL's and valid websites more often througout the day when I use my computer and LCD for instruction. I need to post a sticky note on my computer to remind me of this! This is an important step in helping my students learn how to evaluate websites for reliability, and frequent modeling and reminders will facilitate this learning.
I continue to engage in professional growth and leadership through taking my courses with Walden, particularly this course of Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. I collaborate with my fellow teachers frequently. We share lesson plans, ideas, websites, software, and new hardware and use them them throughout all content areas.
My biggest problem area for this goal continues to be finding the time to train and implement all of the new technology I am learning. I have learned that creating a portfolio on my computer has helped me organize my lessons, handouts, assessments, websites, etc. Now I am working on finding the time to make folders for each unit and transfer files. I am looking forward to trashing all of my stacks of multi-copies of papers on my bookshelves once I complete this - I am the classic 'hoarder' of a teacher. I look forward to taking advantage of technology to clean up my classroom!
A modification of engaging in more of a leadership goal would be for me to provide our district with qualified explanations of why our students should be able to network and give guidelines we could use to monitor this. If our students could collaborate more with each other and me through wikis, blogs, and emails, they would be even more motivated and engaged in their learning.
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